PolyQ-expanded ataxin-2 aggregation impairs cellular processing-body homeostasis via sequestering the RNA helicase DDX6

Ataxin-2 (Atx2) is a polyglutamine (polyQ) tract-containing RNA-binding protein, while its polyQ expansion may cause protein aggregation that is implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2). However, the molecular mechanism underlying how Atx2 aggregation contributes to the proteinopathies remains elusive. Here, we investigated the influence of Atx2 aggregation on the assembly and functionality of cellular processing bodies (P-bodies) by using biochemical and fluorescence imaging approaches. We have revealed that polyQ-expanded (PQE) Atx2 sequesters the DEAD-box RNA helicase (DDX6), an essential component of P-bodies, into aggregates or puncta via some RNA sequences. The N-terminal like-Sm (LSm) domain of Atx2 (residues 82-184) and the C-terminal helicase domain of DDX6 are responsible for the interaction and specific sequestration. Moreover, sequestration of DDX6 may aggravate pre-mRNA mis-splicing, and interfere with the assembly of cellular P-bodies, releasing the endoribonuclease MARF1 that promotes mRNA decay and translational repression. Rescuing the DDX6 protein level can recover the assembly and functionality of P-bodies preventing targeted mRNA from degradation. This study provides a line of evidence for sequestration of the P-body components and impairment of the P-body homeostasis in dysregulating RNA metabolism, which is implicated in the disease pathologies and a potential therapeutic target.